If you're buying a home in Arizona, especially if you're moving here from another state, there's a good chance you've asked this question: How often should I have my home sprayed for scorpions? Scorpions are one of those things that can make people nervous about living in the desert. And if you have small children crawling around on the floor or pets exploring the backyard, that concern is certainly understandable. The good news is that there are ways to help control scorpions around your home, and not every Arizona property has a scorpion problem. How Often Should You Treat Your Home for Scorpions? Many Arizona homeowners have their homes treated monthly or quarterly, depending on the property, the pest activity, and the products their pest control company uses. If you're seeing a lot of crickets around your home, you may want to consider starting with monthly treatments. Why crickets? Because crickets are a food source for scorpions. If your yard is providing a steady food supply, it may also be attracting scorpions. Controlling the insects that scorpions feed on can be just as important as treating for the scorpions themselves. Keep in mind that scorpions can be difficult to control with traditional pest sprays, so it's important to work with a pest control company that has experience treating for them. Are Scorpions More Active During Certain Times of the Year? Absolutely! Here in Arizona, scorpions are generally more active during the warmer months, particularly from spring through fall. When temperatures rise, they become more active as they search for food and shelter. During the cooler winter months, their activity usually slows down, although that doesn't mean they've completely disappeared. That's why some homeowners adjust their pest control schedule depending on the season and the amount of activity they're seeing. Why Does My Neighbor Have Scorpions but I Don't? Here's something I find particularly interesting about scorpions. You might have a neighbor who finds several scorpions every month, while you've lived next door for years and have never seen one. Scorpions tend to use areas that provide food, shelter, and suitable conditions. They may repeatedly travel along walls, fences, landscaping, and other protected areas. In some ways, it's similar to how deer tend to follow familiar paths. That doesn't mean scorpions follow one permanent trail or that your home will always be scorpion-free. But it does help explain why activity can be very different between two neighboring properties. And sometimes things change. For example, if someone nearby starts digging a swimming pool, removing landscaping, or doing major construction, that disturbance can affect scorpion habitat and potentially cause them to seek shelter elsewhere. So even if you've never had scorpions before, it's worth keeping an eye out when there's a lot of earth movement nearby. Does the Seller Have to Tell Me if They've Had Scorpions? This is an important question for anyone buying a home in Arizona. Our Arizona Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS) asks sellers about past or present problems involving scorpions and other pests. But here's something buyers should understand. Not every seller has actually lived in the home. Sometimes you're purchasing a rental property, an inherited home, or a property owned by an investor. In those situations, the seller may have limited knowledge about whether scorpions have been present. And even when the seller reports no known scorpion activity, that doesn't guarantee you won't encounter one after moving in. That's why I encourage buyers who are concerned about scorpions to ask questions and consider having a pest control professional inspect the property. Is Scorpion Pest Control Safe for Children and Pets? This is another question I hear, especially from families with young children or pets. Many pest control companies offer treatments designed for use around residential homes, including homes with children and pets. However, that doesn't mean every pesticide is harmless. Safety depends on the product being used, where it's applied, and whether the manufacturer's instructions are followed. A reputable pest control company should be able to explain what they're using, whether children and pets need to stay away from treated areas, and how long you should wait before returning. Don't be afraid to ask those questions. What Else Can I Do to Keep Scorpions Away? Besides regular pest control, there are some simple things homeowners can do: Keep crickets and other insects under control. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and plumbing openings. Check weatherstripping on exterior doors. Avoid leaving piles of wood, debris, or clutter near the home. Trim landscaping that provides hiding places near the house. Use a UV blacklight at night to check for scorpions, which glow under ultraviolet light. None of these steps guarantees you'll never see a scorpion, but together they can help reduce the chances. What If a Child Gets Stung by a Scorpion? Most scorpion stings cause pain and discomfort, but Arizona bark scorpions can be particularly dangerous for young children. If a young child is stung, contact Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. If the child experiences difficulty breathing, severe muscle movements, or other serious symptoms, call 911. Frequently Asked Questions About Scorpions in Arizona How often should I spray for scorpions in Arizona? Many homeowners choose monthly or quarterly pest control treatments. The best schedule depends on the level of scorpion activity, the season, and the products being used. What months are scorpions most active in Arizona? Scorpions are generally most active from spring through fall, when temperatures are warmer. However, they can be found throughout the year. Does seeing crickets mean I have scorpions? Not necessarily. However, crickets are a food source for scorpions, so a large cricket population can make your property more attractive to them. Can scorpions get inside a well-maintained home? Yes. Scorpions can enter through small openings around doors, windows, plumbing, and other areas. Sealing entry points can help reduce the risk. Do Arizona home sellers have to disclose scorpions? Arizona's Seller's Property Disclosure Statement asks about known past or present scorpion problems. Sellers should disclose what they know, but some sellers, such as investors or heirs, may have limited knowledge of the property's history. Will regular pest control completely eliminate scorpions? Not necessarily. Regular treatments, controlling their food sources, sealing entry points, and reducing hiding places can all help, but no treatment guarantees a scorpion-free home.  Should Scorpions Stop You From Buying a Home in Arizona? Not necessarily. I've worked with plenty of buyers who were very concerned about scorpions when they first started looking at homes, especially those relocating to Arizona. It's a reasonable concern, but it's also something you can investigate and manage. My advice is to ask about the property's history, pay attention to what you see around the home, and talk with a pest control professional if you're concerned. And if you're buying or selling a home in Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, or anywhere in the East Valley, we at Rover Realty are always happy to help you understand the questions worth asking before you make your move.